Near By Destinations
The Silver Birch Resort is located near dozens of attractions.
- Horse Show – the Traverse City Horse Show/Great Lakes Equestrian show grounds, the largest horse show in North America is only 3 miles away.
- Beaches & Swimming – one of Traverse City’s finest beaches is only 5 miles away on East Bay (due west until you dead end into US31, turn left and immediately turn right.
- Wine Tasting – Traverse City’s reputation for producing world-class wines is quickly growing as local wineries have been winning awards. Old Mission Peninsula is home to several of the popular wineries. Just driving through the rolling hills of the peninsula with the breathtaking views of East and West Bays is worth the drive. The mouth of the peninsula is approximately 10 miles from Silver Birch Resort. After sampling the wonderful wines, you might as well drive to the northernmost point of the peninsula and visit Mission Point Lighthouse.
WINE TOURS – Grand Traverse Tours will pick you up and drop you off from our resort. 231-947-7433
- Breweries – Traverse City and the surrounding areas have a plethora of microbreweries featuring locally grown hops. Our favorite is Stone Hound Brewing Company. Please note: the owners believe in constantly checking the quality of all our local beers. We have never had a bad beer in any of the dozen downtown breweries.
Stone Hound Brewery – 3593 Bunker Hill Rd, Williamsburg, MI 49690
- Shopping – downtown Traverse City with street after street of unique gift shops, clothing boutiques, restaurants, and bistros is only 11 miles away.
- Elk Rapids – charming Elk Rapids is only 10 miles away. Would you like to see a real-life “Norman Rockwell” town? It does not get any better than this. The beaches are the finest in northern Michigan, but sharing this secret will get us in trouble with the locals who refuse to tell visitors about Elk Rapids for not wanting to see it lose its “yesterday” charm. Please do not tell anyone where you got this information. Elk Rapids also has an authentic single-screen movie theatre built in 1940. You will feel like you are stepping back to a bygone era. The popcorn, root beer, & cherry soda are outstanding. If a movie is desired, be sure to bring cash as twenty-first-century plastic is not accepted. All employees at the movie theatre are committed to keeping the old-fashioned movie experience authentic.
- Restaurants – both Traverse City and Elk Rapids are considered “foodie” towns. Restaurants in our area that serve mediocre food do not last long. Most restaurants in this area provide excellent quality food. The owners’ favorites are:
Red Ginger is in downtown Traverse City. If you like calamari, you must try the appetizer.
237 E Front St, Traverse City, MI 49684
(231) 944-1733
Red Mesa on US31 offers Mexican/Spanish dishes.
1544 US-31 N, Traverse City, MI 49686
(231) 938-2773
Pearls in Elk Rapids specializes in Louisiana Cajun cooking.
617 Ames St, Elk Rapids, MI 49629
(231) 264-0530
McGee’s in Acme. The closest restaurant—only four miles away.
4341 M-72, Williamsburg, MI 49690
(231) 421-8800
Jolly Pumpkin on Old Mission Peninsula.
13512 Peninsula Dr, Traverse City, MI 49686
(231) 223-4333
Hopscotch Brick Oven & Taproom
2032 US 31, TC, MI 49686
(231) 252-4718
Pizza Options:
East Bay Pizza – In our opinion, the best pizza (partly because the owner’s brother operates it) is East Bay Pizza. Their pizza is outstanding and dining in will also give you one of the best views of the Bay. They also serve thirty flavors of Moomer’s Ice Cream. Moomers won the title of Best Ice Cream in America in a contest sponsored by Good Morning American. A perfect summer night in northern Michigan is defined by a good pizza, ice cream, and breathtaking sunsets on the Bay. East Bay Pizza has all three.
4386 US-31, Traverse City, MI 49686
(231) 938-9160
That’s A Pizza – want to eat in? That’s A Pizza will deliver right to your site. This was the owner’s favorite pizza place until his brother opened his restaurant. They have excellent pizza, sandwiches, salads, and a great staff.
- Watercraft Rentals
Grand Traverse Bay Watercraft Rental
Blue Sky Rentals
(231) 631-0107
Torch Lake Watercraft Rental
Luhr’s Landing
231-322-2868
Dockside Water Sports
231-377-7777
There are additional companies providing rentals. Google “Boat Rental Torch Lake, Michigan” and more will come up.
Elk Lake Watercraft Rental
Elk Lake Marina
231-264-9500
https://www.elkrapidsmarina.com/
Elk Lake is the favorite lake of locals. You can get to Torch Lake from Elk Lake (if desired). The coolest little downtown area in all northern Michigan. Everything is within walking distance of the marina. Be sure to check out the beach on the Bayside (not assessable by boat from the lakeside, but you can walk there). This beach is on the Great Lakes side (Grand Traverse East Bay). This might be confusing. If you look on a map for the town of Elk Rapids, you will see that there is access to the large water, Lake Michigan, and the inland lake – Elk Lake. You cannot take a small boat from the Elk Lake side and cross to the Lake Michigan side. But both marinas are next to each other and a 3-4 minute walk.
On Elk Lake side there is a beach and restrooms on the northern most tip of Elk Lake. To access Torch Lake, follow the map to Skegemog Lake (connected) and go east through Skegemog Lake to find Torch River. Take Torch River to Torch Lake. This sounds far and difficult, but it is not. It is a nice boat ride. Once you enter Skegemog Lake, it takes about 25-30 minutes to get to Torch Lake.
- Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes – Named by Good Morning America as “The Most Beautiful Place in America” and voted one of America’s Top 10 Family Destinations by Family Fun magazine, the Sleeping Bear Dunes are a wonderful day trip. Silver Birch Resort is located approximately 48 miles from the sand dunes.
- Groceries, Medication, & Supplies
There is a Meijer store 4 miles away. 4900 M-72, Williamsburg, 49690. Regular Summer Hours are 6:00 AM to Midnight.
Therapeutic Massages Are Now Available in Your Dome
Our geodesic domes provide an atmosphere of peace and tranquility. Once you unpack and settle in, the stress of work and everyday life will just melt away. Our guests have shared with us that they reserved a dome to celebrate a birthday, an anniversary, an engagement, or a marriage. Others just want a unique vacation experience. If you are looking to add one additional amenity to those already provided by Silver Birch Resort, you may want to consider scheduling a massage right in your dome with a professional massage therapist. This service is available through:
The Garden Spa
2322 US-31, TC
231-709–5597
Please call them directly and schedule your appointment. The Garden Spa offers additional services at their location. The Garden Spa is located approximately eight miles from Silver Birch Resort.